Fuel and Energy – a Global Human Crisis

The world is suffering from many crises such as food shortages, disease, environmental pollution, and human rights issues to name a few. But another issue is coming to the forefront of the developed world’s list of concerns and even downplaying the other issues - energy. The energy crisis is now one of greatest worries of leaders across the globe.

We see from history that historically, men used fire as power. With advancement of understanding down the ages, they became familiar with the other forms of energy. They learned to use fuel. They started using the fossil fuels such as petroleum, coal, natural gas etc. The invention of engines provided a great advance to humans. Many other machines were invented for supporting men in their work. Their basic operation was based on fuel. So the use of fuel increased with the passing years.

Most of the available fuels in the world are fossil fuel. Fossil fuels are found in form of oil, gas, coal etc. Fossil fuels are formed from the decaying remains of plants and animals. Centuries after their death, the bodies of trees and animals turns into fossil fuel due to the pressure and temperature under the ground. Thus, the reserve of fossil fuel started to grow from the very beginning after the creation of the universe. The use of fossil fuel has increased at such a fast rate nowadays, however, that reserves are facing the threat of complete depletion. World political leaders are therefore scrambling to find economical alternatives.

Fuels are not found in all the areas of the world. Most of the richest oil fields are found in the Middle East countries, South American countries and some North American countries. But the Middle East countries dominate the market for fuel oil. They control the world market by controlling the value at which fuel can be obtained. If the value of fuel increases, then the cost of all other goods increases, as transport of these goods is always a factor in determining their eventual cost. So, a little change in the price of oil affects the whole market.

The problem emerging is that predictions now point to fossil fuel reserves being completely used up within the next few decades (or less if demand for them continues to grow at the current rate). What will happen then? This news is a global warning, because the lifestyle and survival of many people all over the world is currently dependent on machines in some way or another. If the fuel is finished, then a dangerous situation will exist. So it is vital that some alternative economical sources of energy should be developed and implemented before all the current fuels are gone.

Fossil fuels can be replaced by using natural energy such as wind, water, sunlight etc. to produce electricity. Nuclear energy can also be used. Solar panels could be placed on vehicles which can supply energy to the vehicle. The use of bio-fuels should be increased to relieve the fossil fuel shortage. Finally, everyone should make sure of the proper use of the energy and prevent the wastage. Technology is available for each of us to take advantage of in minimizing the effects of fossil fuel shortages and we can all be playing our part. Hopefully further development in the efficiency of clean renewable energy sources can avert the disaster that will otherwise threaten to devastate peoples everywhere.